| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc Art Psychotherapy program at Queen Margaret University is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time postgraduate program that equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to become professional art psychotherapists. The program emphasizes experiential learning, creativity, and social justice, and prepares students for professional registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are highly employable and can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, community centers, and private practice.
Program Outline
MSc Art Psychotherapy at Queen Margaret University: A Detailed Extraction
Degree Overview:
The MSc Art Psychotherapy program at Queen Margaret University (QMU) is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time postgraduate program. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become professional art psychotherapists.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a deep understanding of the theory and practice of art psychotherapy
- Develop students' critical thinking skills and their ability to apply theory to practice
- Provide students with opportunities to develop their clinical skills through supervised practice placements
- Prepare students for professional registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Description:
The program is taught by experienced art psychotherapists who are active in the field. Students learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and supervised practice placements. The program also includes a strong research component, which allows students to develop their skills in critical analysis and research methodology.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The history and development of art therapy
- The theoretical foundations of art therapy
- The assessment and treatment of mental health disorders using art therapy
- The application of art therapy in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers
- The professional and ethical issues related to art therapy
Structure:
The program is divided into two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study. The first year focuses on theoretical and practical foundations, while the second year focuses on advanced clinical skills and research. Students also complete two supervised practice placements during the program.
Course Schedule:
Courses are typically offered on Mondays and Tuesdays for full-time students and on Tuesdays for part-time students. In addition, students attend practice placements one or two days per week, depending on their program option.
Individual Modules:
The program comprises a series of modules, each with its own specific focus. Some of the modules include:
- Theory and Practice of Person-Centred Health and Wellbeing
- Leading Person-Centred Practice for Health and Wellbeing
- Practice-based Learning 1 & 2
- Developmental and Relational Perspectives
- Art Psychotherapy Theory and Practice
- Arts Therapies in Context
- Dissertation
Module Descriptions:
Detailed descriptions of each module are available on the QMU website.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, presentations, portfolios, and clinical practice assessments.
Assessment Methods:
- Written assignments (essays, reports)
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Practice placements assessments
- Dissertation
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are based on a range of criteria, including:
- Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to apply theory to practice
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified art psychotherapists. The teaching methods used include lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Individual supervision
Unique Approaches:
The program incorporates several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- A strong emphasis on experiential learning
- A focus on developing students' creativity and artistic skills
- A commitment to social justice and diversity
Careers:
Graduates of the program are eligible to register with the HCPC and work as art psychotherapists. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, community centers, and private practice.
Career Paths:
- Art Psychotherapist
- Art Therapist
- Clinical Art Therapist
- Art Therapy Specialist
Opportunities:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Community centers
- Private practice
- Research
Outcomes:
- Entry requirements
- Application process
- Fees and funding
- Student support services
Entry Requirements:
- An honours degree or equivalent in the area of the visual arts supported by a portfolio of art work in a variety of media over a period of time.
- Degrees in subjects such as psychology, social work, nursing and education will be considered if supported by a substantial portfolio of art work.
- Applicants will be contacted with further information regarding submission of an online portfolio, after submitting their application.
- Normally a minimum of one year's full-time experience (or part-time equivalent, typically 1000 hours) of work in a caring capacity or equivalent. Relevant work includes: nursing assistant, project worker, arts instructor, care work in a community setting, art teaching, or facilitating art workshops.
- Some experience of personal art psychotherapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy, or experiential workshops in creative therapies is desirable.
- International: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score less than 6.5.
- Interview: UK applicants are expected to attend an interview at QMU or online and will be required to submit their art portfolio electronically. Interviews will take place normally between December and May. Interviews for international students will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.
- Other requirements: A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.
Application Process:
For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of the page.
Fees and Funding:
All postgraduate course fees are found on the QMU website. There are no grants and most students take out a student loan. Some applicants have received part funding from their employers.
Student Support Services:
Queen Margaret University offers a range of student support services, including academic advising, counseling, and career services.
Entry Requirements:
For EU home students and international students outside the EU:
- UK honours degree or equivalent in the area of the visual arts, supported by a portfolio of art work in a variety of media over a period of time.
- Degrees in subjects such as psychology, social work, nursing and education will be considered **if supported by a substantial portfolio of art work.
- Applicants will be contacted with further information regarding submission of an online portfolio, after submitting their application.
- Normally a minimum of one year's full-time experience (or part-time equivalent, typically 1000 hours) of work in a caring capacity or equivalent. Relevant work includes: nursing assistant, project worker, arts instructor, care work in a community setting, art teaching, or facilitating art workshops.
- **Some experience of personal art psychotherapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy, or experiential workshops in creative therapies is desirable.
International students:
- You will be required to provide **evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score less than 6.5.
Other Requirements:
- A satisfactory criminal records check from the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme, an occupational health check and personal indemnity insurance (normally through membership of the professional body) are required.
Additional Information:
- The cost of the PVG check (£18 or £59 depending on the level of clearance required*) and the professional indemnity insurance are the responsibility of the student.
- Currently the cost of the health check is funded by the Scottish Government for Scottish students only and other students are responsible for this cost. This is however subject to change should the Scottish Government change their funding policy.
- The additional costs associated with placement travel and accommodation are the responsibility of the student, as are the cost of the weekly personal psychodynamic psychotherapy for the duration of the MSc Art Psychotherapy course (typically £35-60 per session).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS 7.0 with no individual component score less than 6.5
Please note:
- This information is correct as of October 2023, however, it is subject to change.
- QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students in the event that modules change. I hope this detailed breakdown of the entry requirements is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
